Definition of "Head circumference"
Last modified: 1 day
It's the size of a child's head, around it's largest area. That's above the eyebrows and ears. And around the back of the head.
So babies grow quickly, so it depends on age. When born, it's usually 32-37cm, average 34cm. Boys' heads are slightly larger than girls' heads.
Head circumference (HC, aka occipital frontal circumference OFC) is measurement of a child's head around its largest area, the distance from above the eyebrow/ears, and around the back of the head.
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Patient information
What is head circumference?It's the size of a child's head, around it's largest area. That's above the eyebrows and ears. And around the back of the head.
Method
- Biparietal diameter (BPD) is an U/S measurement of the transverse diameter of the head, from the outside of the fetal skull on one parietal side, to the inside aspect of the fetal skull on the other side
Interpretation
- The average head circumference is 34cm, but normally ranges from 32-37cm
- Comparison with:
- Past measurements
- Normal ranges for child's gender and age
Patient information
What's normal head circumference?So babies grow quickly, so it depends on age. When born, it's usually 32-37cm, average 34cm. Boys' heads are slightly larger than girls' heads.
Results
- Microcephaly, which is larger/increasing faster than normal, can indicate hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
- Macrocephaly, which is smaller/slow growth rate than normal, can indicate brain is not developing properly
See also
- Growth chart (provides paperwork indicating norms for HC)
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, as BPD is also an abbreviation for
Synonyms:
Biparietal diameter
BPD
H/C
HC
Head grow
Head growing
Head growth
Occipital frontal circumference
OFC
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